Sunday, July 22, 2007

Words For The Journey Christian Writers Guild, Rocky Mountain Region, had their first write away field trip last Tuesday. About a dozen of us traveled to the beautiful Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs for a morning of inspired writing—OK, and a little visiting with one another. (Thanks to Robbie Iobst for the group photo.)

Friday, July 20, 2007

Oh, boy. Like everyone knows, when you read an Angela Hunt novel, you can expect the unexpected.

Since I usually read novels about human beings, it was a stretch for me to read Unspoken. After all, one of the main characters is a lowland gorilla named Sema. But since I trust Angie, I decided to give it a read.

I can honestly say that this is the first time in decades that I’ve loved a fictional character 100%, but with Sema, what’s not to love? You know, human characters always (and rightfully so) have flaws. But Sema was about as perfect as a gorilla can be. She was fresh, lovable, humorous and entirely real.

Sema and her caretaker Glee Granger enjoyed a loving relationship, so it was stunning when Glee realized that after living her entire life with Glee, Sema would have to go back to the zoo where she was born. When the unthinkable happens, life takes a strange twist for both Sema and Glee.

Trust me, read this book. You’ll be glad you did. Sema is one of those characters who grip your heart and stay with you long after you’ve completed her story. I was at a dinner party last week, and one of dishes had olives in it. Before I could edit myself, I said, “Sema calls olives stinky cat grapes.” I got a few odd looks, but then it gave me the opportunity to tell more friends about Unspoken and Angela Hunt, one of my favorite novelists.

Sunday, July 15, 2007

Yeah, I should be sitting on a tropical beach beneath a palapa sipping a fruity drink, reading a good book—but instead I rid my attic of a family of squirrels and had my house painted.

The top image (pre-paint job) are two of the squirrels giving me an, ahem, impolite gesture. Don't even ask what it takes to exterminate, ahem-- I mean, relocate a family of squirrels. Let's just say it's at least the cost of two round trip air tickets to paradise.

Thursday, July 05, 2007

Okay, I’m going to let you in on a secret that will strengthen your writing skills and your confidence—it’s The Writer’s Tool, the new blog in town. The Writer’s Tool is written by editor and writer Margie Vawter.

This is a resource that will be used time and again. Margie has created an interactive blog. She tells readers, “Please leave your comments and questions—I love questions! And no question is “silly” or “foolish” when you are seeking to learn. So please ask away. My readers are the ones who will determine the subject matter of my posts. I look forward to hearing from each of you. And thank you for joining me on this new adventure.”

Do yourself a favor, bookmark this blog. One day, you’ll be glad you did.